Circular ridge trek in the Gleinalpe mountains

Circular trek in the Gleinalpe mountains near Graz

Starting point

Parking at the Stanglhütte, spacious, free of charge. A road leads here from the town of Knittelfeld.
 

Description of the hike

Gleinalpe is a mountain range 30 km north of Graz (Graz). The individual hills are connected by a ridge about 40 km long. The outlying peaks of Steinplan and Mugel, where there are mountain huts, are attractive for tourists. In the central part stands the Gleinalm Schutzhaus and above it the highest Speikkogel and Lenzmoarkogel, further north there is no tourist infrastructure. The starting point for a circular trek to the two highest peaks is the Stanglhütte hut, accessible by car from Glein.

The marked trail leads to the Roßbachsattel saddle at about 1550 m, the ascent through the forest along the stream takes about an hour and a half. From the saddle you can see the view of the Grazer Bergland hills to the south. To the north you can see the Seckauer Alps and to the west the two-thousanders Zirbitzkogel and Ameringkogel. The trail continues through grassy pastures to Roßbachkogel (1848 m). After the summit, the path continues along the ridge between rocks and wind-swept spruce trees. After a few hundred metres the path descends to the Gleinalm saddle. Here the beautiful snow-white church of Our Lady of the Snows glimmers through the trees. It has stood on the almo since the 17th century and is still used for services in the summer when the cattle are grazing. On the sides of the altar stand the patron saints of flocks and herds. A branch of the St James's Way also runs around the church. Behind the church is the Gleinalm Schutzhaus hut, which is only open in season (approx. May-September).

From the saddle, the route climbs steeply 400 metres to Speikkogel (1988 m). From here you can clearly see the continuation of the ridge over the rounded grassy hills to the last peak, Mugel, above the district town of Leoben. It is easily recognisable by the white tip of the TV transmitter. There are no huts in the central part of Gleinalpe, so if you decide to take the ridge as a crossing, you must provide your own food and possible accommodation. In Styria, camping is allowed on the mountains above the forest line or with the landowner's permission.

At Speikkogel, the sign branches off and turns off the ridge in a northerly direction to Lenzmoarkogel (1991 m). Beyond Lenzmoarkogel the marked trail traverses the heath and drops into a saddle, from where it continues north, further into the valley. The several-minute walk to the seemingly visible Wildeggkogel cross (1792 m) is well worth it. There is a beautiful view of the Mur valley (Murtal), the opposite ridges of the Seckauer Alps and the towns of Knittelfeld and Judenburg. From the saddle, it is possible to return via an unmarked shortcut (on the other side of the marked route) past the almo and the Moar-in-Pichl Hütte to the starting point at the Stanglhütte.
 

Difficulty

Beautiful circuit and ridge almost without people, varied route - ridge, meadows, almshouses, pilgrimage church, distant views. Of course, you climb more than 1000 vertical meters, so good fitness is useful. The climb from the Gleinalm saddle is probably the most demanding. Technically easy.
 

Water availability

Be sure to bring water, another source of water are the streams along the way.
 

Sleeping options

There is plenty of accommodation in the valley, the Gleinalm Schutzhaus hut in season. Otherwise in the open countryside.
 

Mountain peaks

The route leads over the peaks of Roßbachkogel, Speikkogel and Lenzmoarkogel. Views of the Grazer Bergland, Seckauer and Lavantal Alps.
 

Danger

The trail is not dangerous - grassy rounded peaks, smaller rock formations on the ridge (similar to Krkonoše). Orientation is worse in fog.
 

Food

Takeaway food, in season refreshments are available at the Gleinalm Schutzhaus.